Lo, Kean Kim, Joseph
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Kean Kim, Joseph Lo (Luo Jian-jin) Formulated survey methodologies for evidence-based interventions to generate meaningful strategic plans for various UN agencies in Asia. Crafted detailed reports with recommendations for policies and programmes, specializing in the area of culture and development such as cultural industry, out-reach programmes for community re-vitalisation, confidence building and cultural diplomacy. Proficient at all stages of project cycle from inception, monitoring and evaluation upon completion. Skilled in project management based on Result Based Management to create annual work plans, concept notes, identify indicators and targets, plan and manage budgets as well as supervising personals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Designed, developed and successfully delivered trainings to a wide range of participants ranging from illiterate rural artisans to government officials. Recently graduated with Doctor of Philosophy and nominated for the annual outstanding research prize award. The research focused on the markers of authenticity in order to find a balance between protection and conservation of the community’s identity with openness to innovation from outside. Personal Information Permanent Address: 2 Dean Cottages, Dean Road, Newstead, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9RN, Scotland, United Kingdom Contacts: Cellphone. +44-7425151448 Email: [email protected] Nationality: Singapore Specific Areas of Expertise Markers of Authenticity of Community-based, Culturally-bound Projects Researched on the markers of authenticity of Mosuo (China), Bhutanese and Harris Tweed (Scotland) hand-woven textiles by identifying the limits of culturally acceptable change when faced with transformation of traditional crafts towards more contemporary products. Findings are pertinent in conservation, restoration of tangible heritage, innovating intangible heritage (performance arts), production, promotion, banding and sales of cultural artifacts and services, especially when expanding into non-traditional markets. The insights will support the transition of traditional cultural expression towards contemporary representations in a credible and confident manner. ‘Investigating Markers of Authenticity: The Weavers’ Perspective. Insights from a Study on Bhutanese Hand-woven Kira Textiles’, has been peered reviewed and published by the Journal of Cloth and Culture on 20 May 2016. To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14759756.2015.1119576 Research, Data Collection and Surveys Chief architect, formulated and drafted: o Artisan Baseline Survey and Community-Based Culture Mapping. To understand the supply side of the craft industry and to identify problems and bottlenecks in order to target interventions in the most effective way (Bhutan, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Mongolia). o Myanmar-made Textile Industry Survey. To identity the supply chain, industry cluster and evaluate the status and the health of the industry so as to formulate a set of recommendations for development interventions. o Local Consumption of Cultural Goods and Services. To comprehend the demand sector of the industry in order to provide a holistic picture of the cultural industry (China). o Production Cost Comparison Study of Laos and Bhutanese Hand-woven Textiles. To understand and identity the high production cost of Bhutanese textiles (Bhutan, Laos). o Pre- and Post- Training Questionnaires. To assess and measure the impact of technical interventions through trainings and workshops (Bhutan, China, Vietnam, Mongolia). 1 o Combined research methodology to elicit tacit culturally constructed knowledge from the community’s perspective. To identify markers of authenticity through the voices of community-based artisans (China, Bhutan, Scotland). Cultural Industry Examined and co-authored Bhutan’s first Cultural Industry Baseline Report (2009). Analysed, drafted and presented of recommendations based on data collected from above surveys ((Bhutan, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Mongolia). Investigated various development paradigms for cultural industry development and conceptualized 2 main models (commercial and culture based) for development of the artisan sector (China). Delivered demand and supply surveys for craft products, making recommendations to enhance capacities for artisans to meet the demands of the hospitality sector (Laos). Examined the high production cost of the hand-woven textiles sector in Bhutan. Design and Delivery of Technical Trainings; Capacity Building Main author and trainer in formulating Culture-based Product Development and Design Training, Community-based Craft Production Planning and Well-Being workshops (Bhutan, China, Vietnam, Mongolia). Conducted introductory workshops for UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicrafts and Quality Criteria (Bhutan, China, Mongolia). Designed and conducted workshops for artisans to benchmark craft quality excellence and skills standard (Bhutan, China, Mongolia). Established and institutionalised benchmark systems to set standards of quality of handicrafts at national level (Bhutan). Conceptualized and delivered judging criteria, coordinating the organization of successful national design competitions (Bhutan). Drafted syllabus and conducted trainings in silver-smithing, weaving, creative tie-dyeing and natural dyeing technical training workshops (Bhutan, China). Formulated and delivered technical and product design trainings to Chinese ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province through Yunnan Arts Institute (China). Policy Recommendation Composed, planned and wrote “Proposal for the Transformation of Saunders Weaving School into a Centre of Excellence” (Myanmar). Drafted comprehensive framework linking rural craft development to UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Vietnam). Authored policy recommendations for social and economic development for Ethnic Minority areas (China). Project Management and Co-ordination Conceptualized and drafted inter-UN agency cooperation framework and work plans (Bhutan, China). Analyzed, harmonized and integrated consultants’ reports into a comprehensive framework for cultural development (Tibet, China, Bhutan). Drafted project proposals, concept notes, ToRs, press releases, reports and Annual Work Plans (Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh). Identified and mobilized resources for training workshops from private donors and foundations (Tibet, Bhutan, China). Worked in close partnership with the local/national governments, NGOs and private sector in the development of cultural industries (Tibet, Bhutan). Facilitated and evaluated the work of international and national consultants, technical advisors, trainers, interns and volunteers (Bhutan, Tibet). Liaison with local and international media to initiate awareness of project activities through media campaigns and dissemination of information through partner institutions, project websites, press releases, etc. (Bhutan, Tibet). Examples of Community Engagement and Outreach Actions Chief architect for pilot testing the Youth Culture Diversity Lens (China). Introduced and mainstreamed culture diplomacy activities as the main pillar for Confidence Building programmes for post-conflict regions (Bangladesh). 2 Conceptualized and drafted National Living Treasure TV Programme (Bangladesh) Research on Culture Governance (Bangladesh). Institute Roadmap for establishment of Phaengmai School of Design (Laos). Invited member of jury panels for international craft competitions (UNESCO Award of Excellence in North-East, South-East, South and Central Asia, 2004-2013; Nantong International Contemporary Craft Biennale 2014, International Creative Pattern Design Competition, Hangzhou, China 2014). Chaired and presented papers at numerous conferences, most recently at the World Craft Forum, Dongyang, China 2014. UN Agency Experiences United Nations Volunteers (UNV) – Tibet United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - China United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Bhutan United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Bangladesh United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Myanmar United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Bangkok, Thailand United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Hanoi, Vietnam United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Jakarta, Indonesia United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Islamabad, Pakistan United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Beijing, China (For China and Mongolia projects) United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) – Thimphu, Bhutan International Trade Centre (ITC) – Vientiane, Laos Academic Conferences and Seminars Heriot-Watt University, School of Textiles and Design Staff Seminar Topic: Introduction of Bhutanese Hand-woven Textiles, December 2008 School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK. Conference Title and Period: Endangered Textile Traditions’, 18 – 19 January 2013. Topic Presented: Mosuo Textiles of Yunnan, China Royal College of Arts, School of Design, London, UK. Post-Graduate Seminar, June, 2013. Topic Presented: Experiences in Culture-based Product Development and Design with Rural Artisan Communities China Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou, China. Seminar Title and Period: ‘Design and Technology’, 15 – 18 October, 2014. Topic Presented: Examining The Dynamics of the Relationship Between Craft/Folk Art, Design and Technology Central St Martins, University of Arts, London, UK